News

NFU Hails WFO Trade Policy Adoption

22 April 2013

JAPAN - National Farmers Union (NFU) is applauding the World Farmers Organisation (WFO) for adopting its first policy on international trade. The historic policy was adopted during the WFO’s third General Assembly in Niigata, Japan this week.

“The WFO is committed to the pursuit of ambitious trade policy objectives and the reinforcement of the global agricultural trading system so that we can operate in a fair, transparent and predictable trading environment,” the policy noted.

Among its key policy objectives, the WFO body highlighted the need for country-of-origin labeling requirements that allow countries to distinguish their products without distorting trade.

“America’s farmers, ranchers and livestock producers take great pride in making high-quality products available to consumers, who are demanding more information about from where their food comes,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “We are pleased that the WFO recognizes the importance of country-of-origin labeling and has incorporated the principle into its trade policy.”

According to the US Government Accountability Office, 57 countries, including Canada and Mexico, require some form of country-of-origin labeling for food. These countries account for 94 per cent of US trading activity for food and animals.

Also in attendance at the event alongside Johnson were Secretary of the NFU Board of Directors and Minnesota Farmers Union President Doug Peterson, North Dakota Farmers Union President Woody Barth, Montana Farmers Union President Alan Merrill, Wisconsin Farmers Union President Darin Von Ruden and NFU General Counsel Dave Velde. NFU Vice President of International Relations Robert Carlson serves as president of WFO. The General Assembly concluded on 18 April.